Near the end of his second book, Nephi says, “The things which I have written sufficeth me, save it be a few words which I must speak concerning the doctrine of Christ” (2 Nephi 31:2). He then instructs us to enter the gate by repenting and being baptized, assures us that we will receive the Holy Ghost who will help us as we walk the “strait and narrow path,” and emphasizes the importance of staying on the path and enduring to the end until we receive eternal life. He concludes, “This is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (2 Nephi 31:21; see also 2 Nephi 32:6).
In the Book of Hebrews, we read that we should build on the foundation of the doctrine of Christ, which consists of:
- “Repentance from dead works”
- “Faith toward God”
- “Baptisms”
- “Laying on of hands”
- “Resurrection of the dead”
- “Eternal judgment”
And in John’s second epistle, he warns us, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.” But he offers a corresponding reassurance: “He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” (2 John 1:9).
President Russell M. Nelson said:
The pure doctrine of Christ is powerful. It changes the life of everyone who understands it and seeks to implement it in his or her life. The doctrine of Christ helps us find and stay on the covenant path. Staying on that narrow but well-defined path will ultimately qualify us to receive all that God has.
“Pure Truth, Pure Doctrine, and Pure Revelation,” General Conference, October 2021
Today, I will strive to implement the doctrine of Christ in my life by exercising the faith required to repent, by keeping the promises I made when I was baptized, and by following the guidance I receive from the Holy Ghost. I will remember that the path defined by this doctrine will lead us to God and enable us to receive all of His blessings.